Biomolecules Flashcards
What does drinking milk result to in Lactose intolerant people?
Heavy dose of digestive discomfort that includes bloating, gas and abdominal pain.
Why do lactose intolerant people face digestive discomfort?
Lactose present in milk, is not digested in the small intestine due to insufficient lactase enzyme and passes onto the large intestine , where the bacteria feed on it and belch out gaseous products.
Carbon is a very versatile molecule. Explain
- Tetravalency
- It can form single, double, triple bonds
- It can also form chains, branched chains, and rings
when connected to other carbon atoms.
How are polymers formed from monomers?
Through a dehydration reaction.
The breakdown of polymers occurs through which reaction?
Hydrolysis, cells break into monomers by addition of water molecules
Why are monosaccharides called simple sugars?
It is because they are monomers of carbohydrates. They cannot be further broken down into simpler sugars.
Eg. Glucose (found in soft drinks) and Fructose (found in fruits).
Why do Glucose and Fructose have same formula C6H12O6 but different properties?
They are isomers. Rearrangement of functional groups makes fructose taste sweeter than glucose.
What is given as IV / Saline to sick or injured patients?
A solution of glucose dissolved in water (Dextrose) is given as IV, because of rapid conversion of glucose to cellular energy and the glucose provides an immediate energy source to tissues in need of repair.
How is a double sugar formed?
A disaccharide is formed by two monosaccharides in a dehydration reaction.
What is “milk sugar” composed of?
Lactose = Glucose + Galactose
What is maltose composed of?
Glucose + glucose
Naturally found in germinating seeds
It is used in making beer, malt whiskey, liquor and malt shakes.
What is “table sugar” composed of?
Sucrose = Glucose + fructose
Main carb in plant sap, it nourishes all parts of the plant
What is High Fructose Corn Sweetener(HFCS)?
It is a clear goopy liquid containing 55% fructose made through a commercial process that converts natural glucose in corn syrup to much sweeter fructose.
Why are sugars referred to as “empty calories” ?
It is because most sweeteners contain negligible amounts of nutrients other than carbs.
How do animals store excess glucose?
Animals store excess glucose in the form of polysaccharide called glycogen. Stored in the liver and muscle cells
What is “Carbo-Loading”?
Athletes carbo-load consuming large amounts of starchy foods the night before an athletic event. The starch is converted to glycogen, which is then available for rapid use during physical activity next day.
What is the most abundant organic compound on Earth?
Cellulose
The glucose linkages in cellulose cannot be broken down by any enzymes produced by animals
Cellulose aka dietary fiber does not provide nay nutrients , but it does help keep your digestive gut healthy.
What does a typical fat consist of?
Glycerol molecule joined by three fatty acids ,the resulting molecule is called a Triglyceride.
Functions of adipose tissue
Energy reservoir
Cushions vital body organs
Insulation and maintenance of constant body temperature
Saturated and Unsaturated fatty acid
Saturated contain single bonds and have maximum number of hydrogen atoms.
Unsaturated have double and triple bonds and contain lesser hydrogen atoms at the double bonds
Should we maintain a diet with plenty of saturated fats?
No, Diets rich in saturated fats may contribute to cardiovascular disease by promoting atherosclerosis and thus, increasing risk of heart attacks and strokes
What is Atherosclerosis ?
Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on your artery walls. This buildup is called plaque. The plaque can cause your arteries to narrow, blocking blood flow. The plaque can also burst, leading to a blood clot.
Why do the saturated fatty acids stack easily?
It is because of their linear shape, they are able to stack easily and hence are solid at room temperature.
